INTRODUCTION
Part of the fabric of All Saints, Wouldham are very ancient, dating
from before the Norman Conquest. According to John Newman in The
Buildings of Kent: West Kent and the Weald, 1969, the double
splayed window high in the south arcade (originally the outside wall
of the nave), is late Anglo Saxon.
The medieval structure developed from the 12th to 15th
centuries; the rather oddly placed tower, (north of the north aisle),
was built from 1460 to 1483.
There are some Roman bricks and pieces of pink Roman
concrete at the west end of the church.
My thanks to the Rev. Mike Hayes, Priest in Charge, for
arranging access to the interior, and to my wife for help with the
typing and for transcribing the Barker inscription, via binoculars,
due to it's height above the chancel floor!

I have divided the churchyard into four unequal sections:Churchyard(PRE – 1930, BUT INCLUDES FIRST AND SECOND
WORLD WAR MEMORIALS )
Section A
This small area is immediately south of the church, from the porch
to the east end of the chancel; the path from the lychgate to the
porch defines it's southern edge.

Section BThis area is south of the above path to the southern boundary; it
runs the full depth of the churchyard, from east to west.

Section CThis is the area east of the chancel, stretching as far as the
north east corner of the chancel; the majority of graves here are
modern.

Section DThis is the largest area; it is the entire area north of the
church, to the north, east and west boundary walls.

War Memorial

Interior of Church

All Saints Church, Wouldham from the South East 1798

An engraving from the Gentleman'sMagazine, July,
1789. This was
based on a drawing by Thomas Fisher of Rochester, who later published
a History of Rochester. Fisher was quite a confident antiquarian
draughtsman, the position of the four headstones and the Taylor
tomb,
east of the chancel, is very accurate. It may be "artistic
license", but an
inscription is indicated on the south side of the Taylor tomb.
All that
survives now is the inscription on the ledger, which starts in 1799

SECTION A

1. HEADSTONE

HERE LYETH THE
BODY OF MARY
DAUGHTER OF JOHN AND
TAMASIN ADGATE
WHO DIED THE 4th OF OCTOBER 1757
AGED 18 YEARS

2. HEADSTONE

JOHN AND TOMASIN ADGATE

[
]
JOHN ADGATE
[WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE]
[THE [ ] ] OF MARCH 1758
[AGED [ ] YEARS]
ALSO TAMASIN WIFE OF
JOHN ADGATE DEPARTED THIS
LIFE THE [ ] OF JUNE 1764
AGED [ ]9 YEARS

JOHN ADGATE - INVENTORY (CONS. ROCH. &
ARCH. ROCH.)The inventory was appraised by Thomas Taylor and J. ? Ongley on 8th
March 1758
It seems that Adgate was certainly a hop grower and a maltster,
he also brewed beer but the scale of this is difficult to judge. His 7 room
well furnished house included a malt house and brew house, with a large copper
furnace. At the time of his death, he had just spent the bulk of his ready
money, about £5, to buy barley for malting. He had also sold to a Mr Croby of
St. Margaret's, Rochester, a quarter of malt for £1 12s.
The inventory lists 1,500 hop poles; his livestock was very
meagre, 1 mare, 2 small pigs and 2 fat hogs. No crops are mentioned, but the
inventory was drawn up in early March.
The total value, including sums owed was £149 0s 6d

3. HEADSTONE

TO THE MEMORY
OF
JOHN HENRY COOKE, ESQ.
BARRISTER AT LAW
WHO DIED AT DELCE NEAR ROCHESTER
THE 20th OCTOBER 1859
AGED 57 YEARS
"He was Deeply Regretted by All who
were acquainted with his Sterling
Qualities of Mind and Heart"

IN MEMORY
OF
MARY CRAXTONF[RAN]KS
WHO DIED 9th [DECEMBER 1844]
[AGED [53] YEARS]

MARY CLAXTON FRANKS - P.C.C. WILL
Of John Street, Troy Town, Rochester, a Spinster. Will dated 6th December 1841
After debts and expences are paid, to Elizabeth Turner,
wife of Thomas Turner of Wouldham, Grocer, £2 10s; to Caroline Spikesman of
Wouldham, £2 10s; to Elizabeth Pepper of Hoo, £5; to niece, Sarah Franks and
her sister, Elizabeth Franks of Hoo, all her linen and clothes, equally
divided. Residue to nephews and nieces, , James, Thomas, William, George,
Edward and Sarah Franks, equally shared.
Appoints Robert Clements of High Street, Rochester (Tailor and
five times Mayor of the City), executor.
Witnesses: W. O. Rimington and G. O. Rimington
Affidavit dated 10th April 1845: William Owlett Rimington sworn
that he and other witness witnessed will in testator's presence, and that she
signed it in their presence.
Proved 29th April 1845

5. CRUCIFORM HEADSTONE

(FACING SOUTH)
IN MEMORY OF
HENRY LOYALTY PEAKE
MASTER SHIPWRIGHT IN
H. M. SERVICE
WHO DIED AT DEPTFORD
SEPTEMBER [18th] 1862
AGED 4[4] YEARS

HENRY LOYALTY PEAKE - P.P.R. INDEX
Formerly of H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, where he was Assistant Master Shipwight,
late of H. M. Dockyard, Deptford, where he was Master Shipwright.
Administration to Walter Dicken Eden of Lee, Gentleman and Amelia Elizabeth
Peake, widow, of H.M. Dockyard, Deptford. Value of effects, under £5,000

6a. RECTANGULAR HEADSTONE WITH SIDE COLUMNS

WICKHAM FAMILY

(FACING SOUTH)
IN MEMORY OF
SUSANNA* THE [ ] DAUGHTER OF
EDWARD AND SUSANNA WICKHAM
OF CHATHAM
WHO DIED 16th SEPTEMBER 18[13] AGED [ ] YEARS
ALSO OF WILLIAM [ ] SON WHO
DIED [ ] JULY 1815 AGED [3] YEARS
ALSO OF ANN [WHO DIED [ ] APRIL 1816 AGED [5]YEARS
ALSO OF JANE [ ] DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE WHO
DIED [ ] AUGUST 1831 AGED [ ] MONTHS
ALSO OF
EDWARD WILLIAM THEIR FIRST BORN SON
WHO DIED [ ] JUNE 1832 IN THE
[25th] YEAR OF HIS AGE
ALSO OF SUSANNA WICKHAM
WHO DIED ON THE 15th ? OF APRIL 183[4]
AGED 50 YEARS
ALSO OF EDWARD WICKHAM
WHO DIED ON THE 10th APRIL 1855
AGED 75 YEARS
ALSO HESTER THE SECOND WIFE
OF THE ABOVE EDWARD WICKHAM
WHO DIED [ ] JANUARY 1867
AGED 72 YEARS
(*SUSANNA WICKHAM, AN INFANT, WAS BURIED
AT ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH, ROCHESTER)

Edward Wickham will can be found after No 76

6b.HEADSTONE, VERY ERODED

[IN MEMORY OF]THOMASWRIGHT OF THIS
PARISH
[WHO DIED MAY [ ] 1786] AGED 77 YEARS

SECTION B

7. Curbs

South Side
CHARLES GERRARD ANDREWS DIED JANUARY 3rd 1898 AGED 68 FOR 26 YEARS RECTOR OF
THIS PARISH (One Line)
ALSO HIS BELOVED WIFE ELIZABETH CATHERINE ANDREWS DIED MAY 29th 1902 AGED 62
(One Line)

CHARLES BEAVIS - P.C.C. WILLThe will is dated 25th June 1781
Beavis was a Farmer. To his brother, William, all his clothes.
The rest and residue, real and personal, to his wife, Elizabeth, on condition
that she pays her mother in law, Elizabeth Beavis, an annuity of £5 for life.
His wife is sole executor.
Witnesses: Catherine Shepherd, Mary Widnell and John Shepherd
Proved 6th November 1783

SACRED
TO THE
MEMORY OF
ALFRED BIGGS
WHO WAS ACCIDENTLY DROWNED
WHILST BATHING IN THE MEDWAY
NEAR THIS SPOT
THE 22nd OF JULY 1876
AGED 24
"In the Midst of Life we are in Death"

SAPPER B. STUART
(STUART PRESUMABLY MADE THE HEADSTONE ?)

Kent Messenger, 29th July 1876
ANOTHER SAPPER DROWNED.------- Already two fatal bathing accidents have
occurred near the Wouldham Camp this season. In our last number we gave the
particulars of the accident to Sapper Wills, and on Saturday last, Alfred
Biggs aged twentyfour, met his death in a similar manner. In both cases the
men were disobeying the orders of the military, as no bathing is allowed along
the banks of the river.
The particulars of the sad affair came out at the inquest which
was held at the camp, by George Winch, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on Monday.
The following evidence was taken:-- Edward Ashworth, a sapper
stationed at Wouldham Camp, said the deceased was also stationed at the camp.
On Saturday afternoon, the deceased, witness, and six others went down to the
river to have a bathe, and just as witness reached the river bank, the
deceased went into the water. He went out two or three yards, when the stream
seemed to take him off his feet. He was then up to his chest. The water was
ebbing, and the tide had just turned. The deceased struggled in the water, but
witness did not hear him call out; witness to Allen, another sapper who was in
the water some yards from the deceased, to give help to the deceased. Allen
was nearest to deceased, and could swim a little. Another sapper named White
was in the water, but he could not water. Allen swam to deceased and tried to
catch hold of him, as he sunk two or three times. Allen caught hold of him the
last time he came up, but he was unable to hold him as he was nearly sinking
himself. Several of the ran for assistance and for boats. It was about a
minute from the first time witness saw him sink until he finally sank.
The body was recovered about an hour after the drowning. The
deceased could not swim and when he went into the water he had his boots on to
save his feet. The bank where they went in, near Wouldham Church, is very
steep. The hard off the camp is the place provided for bathing at fixed times,
but it is against orders to bathe where the deceased was bathing.
Thomas Allen, sapper, corroborated the last witness's evidence,
and said the deceased had just had dinner when he went into the water. In
consequence of a shout from the bank, witness swam to the deceased, who was
going down, but witness only saw his hands. He was about thirty yards off.
Witness got up to him, and touched him, but being a poor swimmer was unable to
keep hold of him. Witness only saw him once, and then he sank. Witness was the
only one of the party who could swim.
The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased met his death by
being accidentally drowned.
(Biggs was in the 36 Company Royal Engineers)

10a. LEDGER ON STONE BASE, ONCE RAILED

BENEATH
REST THE REMAINS
OF
RICHARD KELCEY
SON OF
FREDERICK & MARY
BOORMAN
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED JANUARY 8th 1863
AGED 17 YEARS

EDWARD BOURNE - CONS. ROCH. WILL
Bourne is a Husbandman, but really a Farmer. He is of Starkey's (Starkey
Castle Farm) and his will is dated 2nd September 1711.
He is aged and sick and weak in body. To eldest son Richard, of
St. Margaret's, Rochester, Husbandman, £5. To grandson, Edward, infant son of
Richard, £10 at 21 years; to wife, Mary and son John, rest and residue of
money and securities and money owed, also the lease of his farm called
Starkey's, which he holds of Sir Robert Marsham, Bart., all goods, chatells
and furniture in the farm house, yards, orchards, barns, stables, etc., all
corn and growing crops and livestock. Appoints wife and son John, executors.
Witnesses: Stephen Daines and James Saunders

MARY BOURNE - CONS. ROCH. WILL
Of Starkey's. Will dated 23rd January 1720.
She is one of executors of late husband's will and is advanced in
years and sickly in body.
To eldest son, Richard, £5; to Richard's son, Edward, £5 at 21
years, if he dies pre 21, then to her executor; to Richard's daughter,
Elizabeth, £5 as above; to Richard's son Richard, £5, as above.
Rest and residue of that ½ share or other parts she is entitled
to under her husband's will, to son John, for ever. John is also executor.
She signs will with a mark.
Witnesses: Mark of Anne Rennels, mark of Henry Poole and James
Saunders
Proved 20th November 1722

11. HEADSTONE AND BODYSTONE

WALTER BURKE 1815(INSCRIPTION RE-CUT 1953 ON WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL
REVERSE)

WALTER BURKE IS BEHIND NELSON'S LEFT SHOULDER.
DEVIS PAINTED THE PORTRAITS OF THE CREW FROM LIFE, IN PREPARATION FOR THIS
PICTURE.

THESE HOLLOW MORTAR SHELLS, ABOUT 12 INCHES DIAMETER,ONCE STOOD OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF WALTER BURKE

(ORIGINAL LAYOUT ON WEST SIDE)
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
WALTER BURKE ESQ.
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED THE 12th OF SEPTEMBER 1815
IN THE 70th YEAR OF HIS AGE
HE WAS PURSER OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP VICTORY
IN THE GLORIOUS BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR
AND IN HIS ARMS
THE IMMORTAL NELSON DIED

WALTER BURKE - P.C.C. WILL
Burke, Retired Purser, Royal Navy, desires to be buried without pomp or
expense at wherever he happens to died. To Richard Holt, Esquire of King's
Road, Bedford Row, Middlesex, Edward Boys the Elder of Rochester, Esquire and
Abel Gould of Rochester, Esquire, his houses and land at Wouldham and Burham,
or elsewhere, all his personal estate and effects, household goods, furniture,
plate, china, books, pictures, etc., upon trust.
Trustees are to sell this property as soon as possible after his
death. After paying debts and funeral costs, etc., they are to divide the
money into two equal parts. Half to his son, William Augustus, Doctor of
Physic, living in the Isle de France. From the other half, they are to pay to
the children of his late daughter, who was the wife of John Barnes of Dawlish,
Devon, Farmer, equally shared, when they are 21 or, if girls, marriage day, if
under 21.
In the meantime the money is to be invested in the Public Funds
and interest used towards their education and maintenance. If any of these
grandchildren died before they are 21, their share then goes to his son
William.
Much of the will contains long trust conditions.
Witnesses: William Foulnun, Solicitor, Carmarthen Street,
London,George Baker and William Stiroffey?
Proved 12th October 1813. Power reserved to Edward Boys
Note in margin, dated 8th February 1827.The will has not been
administered by Holt and Gould. Administration was granted to John Barnes, as
guardian of his children, John David Barnes, Walter Barnes, James Barnes and
Elizabeth Barnes, all minors. Administration was
also granted to Edward Boys and William Augustus Burke.
Burke's wife Elizabeth died in the same year. Even though a
married woman, she was able to make her own will thanks to a marriage
settlement. In this P.C.C. will, dated 6th March 1800, she leaves a bequest to
"her husband's sons", William, Henry and Walter.
In 1811 she added a codicil, leaving £10 each to her god
children, John and Jane Barnes. She also asks to be buried with her first
husband, Mr Breadhower, in Chichester. She is not mentioned on Burke's
headstone.

IN AFFECTIONATE REMBRANCE OF
AMELIA CHALKLEN
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED AT ACTON IN MIDDLESEX
APRIL 27th 1875 AGED 60
SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF 22 CHILDREN, 11 OF WHOM
ARE BURIED NEAR THIS SPOT
ALSO OF
THOMAS CHALKLEN
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY 14th 1881
AGED 70 YEARS
"Death has been here and bore away,
Our parents as you see,
How feeble is our mortal frame,
What dieing (sic) worms are we"

14. HEADSTONE

MARY AND WILLIAM CHRISFIELD, 1755 & 1780

[IN MEMORY OF]
MARY CHRISFIELD
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
[ ] OF OCTOBER 1755
AGED 60 YEARS
[ALSO [ ] CHILDREN
WILLIAM CHRISFIELD
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
[ ] JANUARY 1780
IN HIS [ ] YEAR

WILLIAM CHRISFIELD - CONS. ROCH. WILL
The will is dated 6th May 1779. William Chrisfield was a Maltster of St.
Margaret's, Rochester
He desires to be buried in Wouldham churchyard with his late
wife, Mary. To John Copper, son of John and Ruth Copper of Hollingbourne,
£100. To his niece, Dedemiah Mc Lead wife of George Mc Lead, of Greenwich,
£200. To William Spong and Stephen Spong,sons of William and Mary Spong, £10
each.
Half of his present dwelling house, with yard, malt house,
stables and outhouses in St. Margaret's, left to him by his late brother in
law, Thomas Chambers for the term of Chrisfield's life, will become the
property of Chrisfield's cousin, John Roberts, for ever.
Rest and Residue of property in St. Margaret's, all his stock in
trade, plate, linen, clothes, household goods and furniture, and personal
estate, except that already bequeathed, to be sold. The money raised to be
combined with all other money and invested in the Public Funds.
Half of the interest raised to his nephew, Richard Chrisfield of
Newington, for life. After Richard's death, then to his four children, Ruth,
William, Frances and Thomas, equally shared.
The other half of the interest, to nephew, William Jennings of
Canterbury, for life. After his death, then to his brother, George Jennings of
Dover, Plumber and Glazier.
John Roberts is sole executor.
Witnesses: Thomas Austen, Thomas Jolly and Joseph Hawkins
Proved 29th March 1780

15. LEDGER

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ALFRED HENRY
CHALONER
THE BELOVED CHILD OF
JOHN & SOPHIA CUNNINGHAM
BORN 16th MAY 1858
DIED 30th SEPTEMBER 1858

CLIFFORD, James, 2 daughters buried, Baker and Grocer, 1881
Census

16. HEADSTONE

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
OUR DEAR MOTHER
SUSANNAH GIRLING
WHO WAS CALLED TO REST
SEPTEMBER 30th 1901
AGED 74 YEARS
"Sweet the sleep she so much needed,
Free from suffering, grief and pain,
Looking on her face so peaceful,
Could we wish her back gain"
ALSO JAMES ROBERT
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO FELL ASLEEP AUGUST 12th 1870
AGED 2 YEARS & 9 MONTHS
"Gone but not Forgotten"
ALSO OF JAMES GIRLING
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO PASSED PEACEFULLY AWAY
APRIL 30th 1908
AGED 81 YEARS
"Rest in Peace"

17. HEADSTONE

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MARY JANE HARTRIDGE
WHO DIED 13th MAY 1874
AGED 21 YEARS
[Eroded verses]
ADELAIDE FLORENCE HARTRIDGE
WHO DIED JANUARY 12th 1883
[Eroded verses]
ALSO
MARY CLIFFORD
MOTHER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED SEPTEMBER 20th 1894
AGED 64 YEARS

18. HEADSTONE

[SACRED]
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOANNA WIFE OF
MR. LUKE REEVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE [JUNE] [ ]
[1820] AGED 66 YEARS
ALSO THE ABOVE
MR. LUKE REEVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE OCTOBER THE 7th
1825 AGED 85 YEARS

19. HEADSTONE

JOHN & LYDIA SPIKESMAN, 1830

[IN MEMORY OF]
[JOHN SPIKESMAN]
[WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE [ ] MARCH 1830]
[AGED 70 YEARS]
LYDIA SPIKESMAN
WIFE [OF THE] ABOVE
JOHN SPIKESMAN
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE [ ] [MARCH] [1830]
AGED [68] YEARS
ALSO TWO CHILDREN WHO DIED IN
THEIR INFANCY
LEFT ISSUE TWO DAUGHTERS
ELIZABETH AND CAROLINE
[Eroded Verses]

CAROLINE SPIKESMAN - P.C.C. WILL
Caroline is mentioned on her parent's headstone in Section B, she was
buried at Wouldham but no monuments was found
The will is dated 22nd May 1851
Her leasehold house on St. Margaret's Bank in Rochester, for many years
the property of Mary Stroud, widow, deceased and £200 in the 3¼ % Bank
Annuities in the Bank of England,
and household furniture, other property and effects, after payment of
debts, funeral, etc., to William Bell of Rochester, Surgeon, Thomas
Patten of Rochester and Thomas Turner of Wouldham, Grocer, upon trust.
They to take rent of house and interest from the £200 and use it
towards the education and maintenance of Caroline Elizabeth Turner,
daughter of Thomas Turner, until she is 21, when the house and the £200
will be transferred to her.
Trustees are executors.
Witnesses: David Webster of Birling and Thomas Patten, Clerk to Mr
Patten, Solicitor, Rochester.
Proved 31st January 1852 Power reserved to William Bell

20. HEADSTONE LEANING AGAINST WALL

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
CHARLES THOMPSON
WHO DIED 26th OF OCTOBER 1884
AGED 46 YEARS
"Thy Will be Done"

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ADELAIDE ALICE
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
RICHARD WILLIAM TURNER
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
MARCH 11th 1871
AGED 23 YEARS
ALSO
ELLEN ELIZABETH
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
DECEMBER [186]9
AGED 2 YEARS [ ] [MO]NTHS
ALSO OF [THE ABOV]E
RICHARD [WILLIAM TUR]NER
[WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE]
[ ] [MARCH 1887]
[AGED 45 YEARS]

IN MEMORY OF
JOSEPH COSTEN WHO
DEPARTED THIS LIFE
[ ] OF JUNE 175[8]
AGED 40 YEARS

IN MEMORY OF
LYDIA WIFE OF
JOSEPH COSTEN WHO
DEPARTED THIS LIFE
OCTOBER 31st 176[ ]*
AGED 32 YEARS
LEFT ISSUE ONE DAUGHTER

"Farewell vain world, I've had enough of thee,
And now I am careless of what you say'st of me,
Thy smiles I court not nor thy frowns I fear,
My soul's at rest, my head lies quiet here"
(Much of the verse is eroded, but I have more or less reconstructed it from
this Cliffe version of 1802)
* (Not in the Register, 1760's ?)

HERE [LIETH YE] BODY OF
ELIZ. DAUGHTER OF JOSEPH
AND [LYD]IA COSTEN OF [THIS]
[PARISH] DIED AUGUST YE 14th 1763
[AGED] [ ] YEARS
[
]
[ ] a [ ] grief & pain,
At length ye Lord did think it best,
To take me to a place of rest"
(Mills was the only burial at Wouldham in November 1762, Lydia Costen's name
at marriage was Mills)

25. LARGE GRANITE HEADSTONE AND CURBS

IN MEMORY OF
MARGARET FERRIE SCOTT
DIED DEC. 1860 AGED 2 MONTHS
CHARLES ANDREW SCOTT
DIED FEBY. 1869 AGED 2 YEARS
JEAN FERHUS FERRIE
DIED MARCH 1869 AGED 4 YEARS
MARY STEWART SCOTT
DIED MARCH 1875 AGED 20 YEARS
JOHN SCOTT
FATHER OF THE ABOVE
DIED NOV. 23th 1883 IN HIS 62nd YEAR
MARGARET FERRIE
WIDOW OF THE ABOVE
JOHN SCOTT
WHO DIED AT DENVER, COLORADO, U.S.A.
ON JUNE 3rd 1894 AGED 61 YEARS
WILLIAM STEWART YOUNG SCOTT
FOURTH SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED DEC. 24th 1896 AGED 35 YEARS
JOHN YOUNG SCOTT
SECOND SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED AT RAINHAM
SEPT. 8th 1907 AGED 30 YEARS

26 CHEST TOMB

MUCH OLDER THAN SURVIVING
INSCRIPTION, IT CAN BE SEEN IN AN ENGRAVING IN
THE "GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE" OF 1789. PRESUMABLY ERECTED FOR EARLIER
TAYLORS

?
LEDGER
IN MEMORY OF
MRS. ELIZ. TAYLOR WIFE OF
MR. JAMES TAYLOR
OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER
SHE DIED JAN. 25th 1799 AGED 48 YEARS
ALSO THE ABOVE MR. JAMES TAYLOR
YEOMAN OF THIS COUNTY
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 20th OF
JANUARY 181[6] AGED 66 YEARS
ALSO MR. JAMES TAYLOR
SON OF THE ABOVE WHO DEPARTED
THIS LIFE ON THE 11th DAY OF OCTOBER 1831
AGED [50] YEARS

James TAYLOR - P.C.C. WILL
James Taylor is a Yeoman Farmer of High Halstow, his will is dated 3rd
December 1812.
To George Gunning, of Frindsbury, Esquire and Philip
Boghurst of Gad's Hill, Higham, Gentleman, his freehold property, 2
house, (in 4 dwellings), lately built by him, with barns and 40 acres of
land, known as Burnt Houses, in High Halstow, upon trust. They are to
sell and each to have £10.
To William Jefferys of Chatham, £20; to his son, William
Taylor, £300, silver pint can, 2 table spoons, 2 tea spoons, punch
ladle; to daughter, Elizabeth Taylor, £500, silver pepper caster, sugar
basin, butter boat, gravy spoon,2 table spoons, 8 tea spoons, 2 salt
spoons and pair of plated salt sellers.
To wife Mary, 4 half pint silver pots, 4 table spoons, 3
pairs salt spoons, 12 tea spoons, silver stewer, silver cream pot,
pepper caster, butter boat, gravy spoon, sugar tongs, pair plated salt
cellars. Bed with bedstead, bolster, pillows, blankets in his bedroom,
stove in front chamber, 6 mahogany chairs, bed with patchwork hangings,
small mahogany table, pear wood Pembroke table, work stool, provisions
and liquor in house, tubs and casks, etc.
To son James, silver quart tankard, 2 table spoons, 2 tea
spoons and punch ladle.
To wife Mary and daughter Elizabeth, equally shared, all
household and other linen.
Residue to trustees upon trust. They to carry on farming
business for one year after his death, except his freehold land which is
to be sold. His wife and grand daughter, Caroline Kent to reside in his
house at Busthole? or elsewhere he may be residing at death. They to
have profits of business until it is sold. Money from sale to be put
together with personal estate. Trustees to invest £1,000 in Public
Funds, his widow to have the interest. They are to invest £200,
likewise, for benefit of Caroline Kent during his widow's lifetime.
After his widow's death, when Caroline reaches 21, trustees to transfer
£2,000 to her. The above sum of £1,000 to stay invested and the
interest paid to his daughter, Mary, late wife of William Kent and now
wife of Henry Mitchell. After Mary Mitchell's death, the interest to her
children, Caroline and Sarah Kent, equally shared. Trustees are to take
one fifth of income for life benefit of Elizabeth Boulton, wife of his
son James, after her death, then for benefit of her children. Three
fifths of his personal estate to son William and daughters, Parnel, wife
of Joseph Newington and Elizabeth Taylor, in equal shares. Trustees are
executors.
Witnesses: J. Gibbs, Attorney, Strood, William Comport and
J. Stott, Clerks to Mr Gibbs
Proved 23rd July 1816. Power reserved to George Gunning and
Philip Boghurst, granted to wife Mary

27. ERODED HEADSTONE

[IN MEMORY OF SAR]AH?
WIFE OF RICHARD [ ]
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JULY THE 18th 177[ ]?
AGED 65 YEARS
(Unknown, not identified from registers)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
HENRY GEORGE BAKER
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 12th OF APRIL 1855
AGED 39 YEARS

BAKER, Henry, died 1855, Blacksmith, 1855 Post Office Directory

30. LARGE OVERGROWN CURBED PLOT(There may be more under very thick ivy roots but illness
stopped further search)

South Side
LAURA BAKER 1865 – 1869

North Side
BERTHA BAKER 1873 – 1873 FRANK W. BAKER 1874 – 1875

31. GRANITE PEDESTALS, CROSS AND CURBS, ONCE RAILED

East Side
"Till there breaks
the last and brightest
Easter Morn"
IN
EVER LOVING
MEMORY OF
EDWARD THOMAS BAKER
BORN JULY 27th 1823
DIED OCT. 23rd 1895
CONSTANCE REBECCA BAKER
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
BORN APRIL 19th 1836
DIED DEC. 31st 1904

South Side
ALSO
THEIR ELDEST DAUGHTER
GRACE CONSTANCE DOBSON
BORN DEC. 23rd 1860
DIED MARCH 5th 1918

MARY ANN
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
THOMAS EDWIN BRIDGES
WHO DIED OCTOBER 4th 1901
AGED 50 YEARS
"Gone from sight but not forgotten,
Never shall thy memory fade,
Sweetest thoughts will ever linger,
Round the spot where thou art laid"
ALSO THE ABOVE
THOMAS EDWIN BRIDGES
WHO DIED JANUARY 16th 1923
AGED 77 YEARS
ALSO
FLORENCE MARTHA STEVENS
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED SEPT. 15th 1937
AGED 43 YEARS

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
ELLEMN CHALKLEN
DIED JAN. 17th 1912
AGED 61 YEARS
ALSO
WILLIAM HENRY CHALKLEN
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
DIED JUNE 4th 1922
AGED 73 YEARS
"Have Faith in God"

38. HEADSTONE AND CURBS

IN EVER SACRED MEMORY
OF
THOMAS CHALKLEN
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 12th APRIL 1920
AGED 85 YEARS
ALSO ELIZA CHALKLEN
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 20th JUNE 1920
AGED 80 YEARS
"The Souls of the Righteous are in
the hands of God"
ALSO GEORGE HENRY CHALKLEN
SON OF THE ABOVE
DIED 9th DEC. 1938
AGED 59 YEARS
"R.I.P."

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
AUGUSTA CAROLINE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JULY 9th 1882
AGED 18 YEARS
ALSO
MARIA ALBERTA
WHO FELL ASLEEP
SEPTEMBER 24th 1894
AGED 15 YEARS
ELDEST AND YOUNGEST DAUGHTERS OF
JAMES & EMMA CLIFFORD
OF THIS PARISH
"To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain"

CLIFFORD, James, 2 daughters buried, Baker and Grocer, 1881 Census

COLEMAN see PERKINS

40 "BROKEN" LIMESTONE COLUMN ON PEDESTAL, WITH CURBS AND LOW
RAILINGS

JAMES CRAMPHORN(I would usually associate a broken column with a
younger man?

THIS STONE WAS ERECTED
BY HENEY PETERS OF WOULDHAM HALL
TO
JAMES CRAMPHORN
BORN AT ST. ALBANS
5th NOVEMBER 1833
DIED AT WOULDHAM [COURT ?] [JUNE] [ ] 1893
[ ]
IN [
] MEMORY OF
[
] SERVANT
WHO PASSED TO HIS [
]
[ ] FAITHFUL PERFO[RMANCE]
OF HIS DUTY

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
REGINALD EDWIN DABNER
WHO FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS
MARCH 2nd 1899
AGED 2 YEARS AND 11 MONTHS
ALSO OF
WILLIAM JAMES DABNER
WHO DIED AUGST. 20Th 1899
AGED 4 MONTHS
HAROLD FRANK DABNER
WHO DIED AUGST. 22nd 1899
AGED 4 MONTHS

DOBSON see BAKER

42. PEDESTALS, CROSS AND CURBS

East side
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
WILFRED EDMONDS
DIED AUGUST 16th 1917
AGED 23 YEARS
ALSO LILY EDMONDS
DIED MAY 17th 1918
AGED 30 YEARS

THOMAS HART - CONS. ROCH. WILL
Will dated 9th June 1854
Thomas Hart, a Labourer, left his entire estate to his wife , Mary, for
ever. She is sole executor.
Signs will with a mark.
Witnesses: William Baker, Rochester and H. Wickham, Solicitor, Rochester
Proved 23rd November 1857

44. PEDESTAL WITH LARGE ANGEL AND RAILED CURBS

GEORGE HIGHAM(Higham prospered in his business, leaving effects
valued at more than £6,000,
and has the most conspicuous monument)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
GEORGE
THE BELOVED HUSBAND OF
MARY ELIZABETH
HIGHAM
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
AUGUST 30th 1905
AGED 77 YEARS
"How we miss him, none can tell"
ALSO THE ABOVE
MARY ELIZABETH
HIGHAM
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JANUARY 13th 1913
IN HER 83rd YEAR
"Although dead, they still live in the
Hearts of those who loved them"

SCARED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MRS. ELIZABETH ANN HUTCHENSON
RELICT OF
JOHN FRANCIS HUTCHENSON
OF H. M. CUSTOMS, LONDON
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 8th DAY OF OCTOBER 1855
AGED 64 YEARS
AT THE RESIDENCE OF
WILLIAM SANKEY
OF THIS PARISH
AFTER A LONG AND PAINFUL ILLNESS
WHICH SHE BORE
WITH THE MOST CHRISTIAN [FORTITUDE ?]

46. HEADSTONE AND CURBS

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
GEORGE KEMP
WHO DIED 23rd MARCH 1919
AGED 69 YEARS
ALSO SARAH HIS WIFE
WHO DIED 19th MARCH 1921
AGED 69 YEARS
ALSO PRIVATE ERNEST KEMP 10th YORKS. REGT.
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION
20th OCT. 1917
AGED 35 YEARS
BURIED AT ETAPLES
ALSO WILLIAM KEMP
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 18th APRIL 1933
AGED 55 YEARS
"At Rest"
ALSO ARTHUR KEMP
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 3rd NOV. 1942
AGED 62 YEARS
ALSO ESTHER CARTER
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 12th MARCH 1956
AGED 77 YEARS
CREMATED AT WOKING

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
JESSE KEMSLEY
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
MARCH 24th 1895
AGED 79 YEARS
ALSO SARAH KEMSLEY
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
NOVEMBER 18th 1896
AGED 80 YEARS
ALSO FRIEND KEMSLEY
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED JUNE 14th 1886
AGED 36 YEARS
"Till there break the last and
Brightest Easter Morn"

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN LANGFORD
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE AUGST. 14Th 1870
AGED 28 YEARS
ALSO
SARAH LANGFORD
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED AUGUST 23rd 1868
AGED 11 MONTHS
ALSO
ELLEN LANGFORD
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED NOVEMBER 23rd 1872
AGED 3 YEARS

LANGFORD, John, died 1870, Apprentice Wheelwright, 1861
Census

49. HEADSTONE

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
WILLIAM LANGFORD
[ ]
[ ]
ALSO
JAMES LANGFORD
SON OF THE ABOVE
[ ] 1906 ?
[ ]

East side
"Though lost to sight
to memory ever dear"
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
FANNY
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
WILLIAM STEPHEN LARKIN
WHO DIED JULY 19th 1899
AGED 35 YEARS
ALSO WILLIAM STEPHEN LARKIN
WHO DIED MAY 8th 1935 AGED 74

North side
ALSO
ISABELLA JANE
SECOND WIFE OF
WILLIAM STEPHEN LARKIN
WHO DIED SEPT. 23rd 1919
AGED 54 YEARS

South side
ALSO
ISABEL MARY
LARKIN
WHO DIED OCT. 1st 1921
AGED 15 YEARS

LARKIN, William, died 1935, Cement Factory Foreman, 1911
Census

51. HEADSTONE AND FOOTSTONE

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
GEORGE
THE BELOVED SON OF
GEORGE & MARY ANN LAWRENCE
DIED JAN. 26th 1907
AGED 36 YEARS
"Peace, Perfect Peace, with loved ones far away,
In Jesus keeping, we are safe and they"
ALSO THE ABOVE
GEORGE LAWRENCE
DIED NOV. 10th 1918
AGED 77 YEARS
ALSO
MARY ANN LAWRENCE
DIED MAY 7th 1932
IN HER 96th YEAR
"At Rest"

LAWRENCE, George, died 1918, Chalk Labourer, 1901
Census

52. PEDESTALS, CROSS, VOLUTED SCROLL AND CURBS. LARGE PLOT

East side
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
HARRIETT
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
BENJAMIN LUCKETT
DIED JANUARY [ ] 1869
AGED 43 YEARS
ALSO NELLIE LOUISA
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
DIED JULY 19th 1896
AGED 4 MONTHS
"Nearer my God to thee, nearer to thee"

North side
ALSO
MAUD MARY
2nd WIFE OF
BENJAMIN LUCKETT
DIED AUGUST 9th 1915 AGED 50 YEARS
INTERRED AT BIRLING

South side
ALSO BENJAMIN
4th BATT. R.W.K.R.
ONLY SON OF
B & H LUCKETT
KILLED IN ACTION NEAR YPRES
APRIL 21st ? 1915 ? AGED 21 YEARS
VOLUTED SCROLL

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
WILLIAM MARTIN
WHO FELL ASLEEP 22nd FEBRUARY
1897
AGED 56 YEARS
"Our loved one has gone before,
Whose earthly days are done,
We soon shall greet him on
That shore,
Where partings are unknown"
ALSO CHARLOTTE
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 4th DECEMBER 1923
AGED 79 YEARS
"At Rest"

MARTIN, William, died 1897, Labourer, 1891 Census

MARSH see STEVENS

54. HEADSTONE

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
EMMA WIFE OF
WILLIAM THOMAS MITCHELL
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 28th DAY OF JANUARY 1854
AGED 25 YEARS
"Thrice Blessed Bliss,
To my husband and children dear,
My Salvation they have not to fear,
Jesus supported me in the night of death,
And enabled me to lisp his name,
With my latest breath"

6340685 PRIVATE
A. T. NEWMAN
THE BUFFS
20th NOVEMBER 1940 AGE 27
"God saw the rugged pathway
was getting hard to climb,
so he gently whispered
Peace shall be Thine"

56. HEADSTONE AND CURBS

IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
ADELAIDE NORRIS
WHO DIED 10th FEBRUARY 1894
AGED 46 YEARS
ALSO OF HENRY NORRIS
HER DEVOTED HUSBAND
WHO DIED 23rd DECEMBER 1931
AGED 84 YEARS
AND OF
ARTHUR THOMAS NORRIS
THEIR BELOVED SON
WHO DIED 27th JANUARY 1901
AGED 27 YEARS
"In Thy presence is Fullness of Joy"

IN MEMORY
OF
JOHN PEARCE
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 2nd OF OCTOBER 1869
AGED 65 YEARS
"[ ] flesh shall rest in Hope"
ALSO
THOMAS HI[LLAS]
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 5th OF JANUARY 1837
AGED 13 MONTHS
ALSO
ANNA MARTIN
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 13th OF JULY 1845
AGED 11 YEARS
ALSO
MARRIANE
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 13th OF OCTOBER 1877
AGED [76] YEARS

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
ANNIE MARIA PERKINS
WHO FELL ASLEEP JULY 14th 1905
AGED 20 YEARS
"Peace, Perfect Peace"
ALSO
ANN ELIZABETH COLEMAN
WHO DIED MARCH 10th 1916
AGED 62 YEARS
"She has gone, the one we loved so dear,
To her Eternal Rest,
She's gone to Heaven, we have no fear,
And is forever Blest"
JOHN COLEMAN
DIED APRIL 12th 1929
AGED 82 YEARS
"Always cheerful, always kind,
A beautiful memory left behind"

60. GRANITE HEADSTONE AND CURBS

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
JAMES PETERS
BORN MAY 22nd 1831
DIED MAY 16th 1905
"Come unto me ye weary and I will give you rest"
ALSO MARTHA FRANCES PETERS
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
DIED FEBY. 3rd 1917 AGED 81 YEARS

IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
DAVID SCANNELL
WHO DIED OCTOBER 13th 1869
AGED 48 YEARS
THIS STONE IS ERECTED
BY HIS LOVING WIFE
AND FRIENDS
"Thy Will be Done"

62. PEDESTALS, FALLEN CROSS, CURBS

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
JOHN SCANNELL
WHO DIED OCTOBER 5th 1890
AGED 42 YEARS
ALSO HAZEL GEORGE
YOUNGEST SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED JUNE 22nd 1905
AGED 19 YEARS

SCANNELL, John, died 1890, Cooper, 1881 Census

63. HEADSTONE AND FOOTSTONE

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
WALTER SMITH
WHO DIED NOVEMBER 4th 1908
AGED 38 YEARS
HENRY SMITH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JAN. 14th 1920
AGED 84 YEARS
ELLEN SMITH
WHO DIED DECEMBER 24th 1927
AGED 90 YEARS

64. SMALL TABLET AND CURBS

IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
KATE IRONS SMITH
DIED JUNE 28th 1909
AGED 55 YEARS
ALSO OF
WILLIAM SMITH
DIED APRIL 22nd 1914
AGED 53 YEARS
"Peace, Perfect Peace"

South curb
ALSO OF WILLIAM ARTHUR SMITH DIED AT SEATTLE, U.S.A. FEB. 3rd 1910 AGED 31
YEARS

North curb
ALSO OF THOMAS SMITH WHO DIED JAN. 23rd 1923 AGED 43 YEARS

65. HEADSTONE

IN
MEMORY OF
ISAAC STEVENS
LIME BURNER FOR 26 YEARS
ON THE WORKS
OF THE WOULDHAM CEMENT COMPANY
HE DIED FROM THE EFFECTS OF AN ACCIDENT
JULY 17th 1870 AGED 60 YEARS
ALSO HIS SON
JOHN STEVENS
WHO MET WITH SUDDEN DEATH
NOVEMBER 3rd 1858 AGED 16 YEARS
"Prepare to meet thy God"
PHILIDELPHIA STEVENS
DIED AUGUST 10th 189[ ]
AGED 79 YEARS
BETTY MONICA BENNETT
DIED NOVEMBER 20th [ ]
AGED 2 YEARS

STEVENS, Isaac, died 1900, Lime Works Labourer, 1891
Census

"CATHAM OBSERVER" FATAL
ACCIDENT AT WOULDHAM CEMENT WORKS
An inquest on the body of Isaac Stevens was held at St. Bartholomew's
Hospital, Chatham, (sic) on Wednesday, before W. Bell, Esq., deputy
coroner for the City of Rochester, and a respectable jury, Mr A. Lester
being foreman.
Stephen Stevens, of Wouldham, deposed he was employed on
the cement works at that place, and that his father was also employed
there. His age was 60. Last saw him alive last Tuesday week, directly he
was run over by the train. He had been got up when witness saw him , and
he had his thoughts about him, and complained only of his shoulder being
hurt. He was between the rails and stepped on the line on which the lime
trucks were coming, when before he had time to say "oh", he
was run over. Between the lines was not the proper place for him, as
there was a footpath. He blamed no one. He was of opinion that the
trucks were on the rubbish line when he stepped on the lime line and was
run over. He had worked there 20 years.
To a juryman : If he had remained on the 8 foot 10 inch
road between the lines he would not have been hurt even if two trains
had been passing.
John Langford deposed that the wagons hit deceased across
the back, and that they knocked him between the the rails. The trucks
were going between 8 and 10 miles, the usual speed.
Thomas Harod, the break-man (sic), deposed that from time
he started he did not see deceased until after he was run over. If he
had seen him he could not have stopped the wagons in a shorter distance
than 20 yards. Was quite sober then. Stopped the wagons as soon as he
could.
William Foyer?, foreman of the works, deposed that no one
had any business to walk between the lines, but to remain there when two
trains passed, one would be safe enough. This was the first accident
that had happened on that line. By the break (sic) the rate of speed can
be regulated.
Deceased was brought at once to the Hospital, Mr William P.
Adams, house surgeon, deposed deceased had an extensive lacerated wound
on the forehead, and severe contusions of the shoulder and back, and
right arm, one of the bones of the hand being broken.
Erysipelas * supervened and he died on Sunday night.
Verdict in accordance with the evidence. Mr Arnold,
solicitor, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Cement Works
Company.
* Also known as St. Anthony's Fire. Inflammation of the
skin, generally of the subcutaneous areolar tissue, accompanied by
fever. The affected part is dark red, hot, painful and swollen.

66. HEADSTONE

IN
AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
ISAAC STEVENS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
7th APRIL 1900
AGED 52 YEARS
ALSO ELLEN STEVENS
WHO DIED 5th FEB. 1931
AGED 84 YEARS
"Life's work well done, now
comes rest"

67. HEADSTONE AND CURBS

IN EVER LOVING MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH STEVENS
WHO PASSED AWAY 6th JULY 1912
AGED 50 YEARS
ALSO OF FREDERICK
THE DEARLY LOVED SON OF
CHARLES & EMMA MARSH
AND NEPHEW OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 4th APRIL 1907
AGED 9½ YEARS

68. CWGC HEADSTONE

T/1041848 DRIVER
T. E. STEVENS
ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
16th MAY 1944 AGED 43
"Though you are so far away,
We think of you,
Night and day"
MIN AND CHILDREN

STEVENS see BRIDGES

69. GRANITE HEADSTONE AND CURBS

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
CLARA STYANT
DIED FEBRUARY 4th 1915
AGED 90 YEARS
AND
HARRIETT RUMSLEY
DIED NOVEMBER 14th 1915
AGED 90 YEARS
LIFELONG FRIENDS LAID TO REST AFTER
A BRIEF SEPARATION
JOHN MOON
DIED FEBRUARY 15th 1917
AGED 73 YEARS
AND HIS BELOVED WIFE
CAROLINE MOON
DIED FEB. 14th 1921
AGED 75 YEARS
"In Christ shall all be made alive"

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MRS. SUSANNA TIPPIN WIFE OF
MR. THOMAS TIPPIN
OF ST. MARGARET'S, ROCHESTER WHO DEPARTED
THIS LIFE THE 2nd ? OF DECEMBER 1829
AGED 48 YEARS
LEFT ISSUE ONE SON AND TWO DAUGHTERS
VIZ. WILLIAM, SUSANNA AND MARY DEE
"Here lies interred the partner of my life,
A kindly mother and affectionate wife,
Great although the loss [ ] happy [ ]
Her happy ? Spirit at the Saviour's [ ]"

71. HEADSTONE, LEANING TOWARDS TOWER

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MR. THOMAS TIPPIN
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 6th OF SEPTEMBER 1857
AGED 78 YEARS

THOMAS TIPPIN - P.C.C. WILL
Will dated 11th March 1857. Gentleman of King Street, Troy Town,
Rochester.
To executors and trustees, Henry Coulter of Chatham,
Brewer's Clerk and Thomas Anderson of Troy Town, Draper, £4,000 Bank of
England Stock and any other stock he has at time of death, upon trust.
The interest on £2,000 of the above stock to his son William for life.
After William's death, the £2,000 will be shared equally among
William's children.
Interest on £1,000 of the same stock, to his daughter Mary
Dee, wife of Henry Coulter, for life. If Henry survives Mary he is to
have the interest for life. After his death, (if he is the survivor),
the £1,000 to be shared equally among his children.
The remaining £1,000 stock to be shared equally among the
testator's grandchildren, Dalinda Clara Coulter, Susannah Coulter,
Thomas Tippin, Frederick James and William Algernon Coulter, at 21 years
of age.
To his trustees, all his property in King Street,
Rochester, (43 and 44), occupied by himself and Mrs Mills, widow; also
his house in Union Street, Rochester, occupied by Thomas Anderson, also
house and farm at Sonning, Oxfordshire, occupied by John Wickenden, upon
trust, for lifetime of his son William Tippin. Trustees to keep
properties in good repair and insured. They are to pay residue income
from these properties to son William Tippin, for life.
After William's death, the properties go to Henry Coulter
and his heirs, forever.
His property at Frindsbury, occupied by
[ ] Anderson, five cottages at Wouldham
and six cottages at Milton, next Sittingbourne, also to Henry Coulter
and his heirs, subject to payment, from the six cottages, of an annuity
of £20 to Mary Jane French for 10 years after testator's death. To Mrs
Susannah Fullager of Eastchurch, £100; to his housekeeper, Mary
Bartholomew, £200, she also has the bedstead, carpets, chairs, linen
and furniture in her chamber. To Thomas Anderson, as a token of respect
for his service as executor and trustee, 19 guineas.
The mortgage sum of £150, now lent to Mrs Moseley, on
deposit of her deeds as security, if unpaid at testator's death, to be
shared equally between his son William and son in law Henry Coulter.
Residue, real and personal, also of Henry Coulter.
Witnesses: George Acworth, Solicitor, Rochester and Alfred
Morgan, his Clerk.
Proved 10th October 1857.

TIPPIN see WILES

72. HEADSTONE

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
ANN MARIA WAKELING
WHO DIED APRIL 25th 1883
AGED 53 YEARS
ALSO
JOHN WAKELING
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED JANUARY 11th 1900
AGED 73 YEARS
"Father in thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now thy servants sleeping"

73. SMALL PEDESTAL AND ANGEL

IN
SWEETEST MEMORY OF
OUR DARLING CHILD
HAZEL WALLIS
TAKEN INTO GOD'S KEEPING
30th APRIL 1928
AGED 2 YEARS
"Suffer little children to
come unto me"

South Headstone
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MR. THOMAS WICKHAM
OF MAIDSTONE
WHO DIED MAY 1st 1822 AGED 33 YEARS
ALSO THOMAS STROUD
SON OF THE ABOVE BORN SEPT. 21st 1814
DIED NOVEMBER THE 28th 1819
ALSO FRANCES WHIBLEY
RELICT OF DAVID WHIBLEY AND
SISTER OF THE ABOVE
THOMAS WICKHAM
WHO DIED APRIL 29th 1820 AGED 36 YEARS
ALSO MARY WHIBLEY
WHO DIED 20th SEPTEMBER 1847
aged 42 years

North Headstone
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF ELIZABETH WIFE OF
MR. HUMPHREY WICKHAM
OF CHATHAM WHO DIED AUGUST 23rd 1822
AGED 38 YEARS
ALSO ANN DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED APRIL 21st 1816 AGED3 YEARS
ALSO FRIEND SON OF
HUMPHREY & SARAH WICKHAM
WHO DIED SEPTEMBER 14th 1826
AGED 11 MONTHS
ALSO THOMAS SON OF THE ABOVE
HUMPHREY & SARAH WICKHAM
WHO DIED 29th DECEMBER 1829
AGED 6 WEEKS
ALSO LUCY DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
HUMPHREY & SARAH WICKHAM
WHO DIED THE 2nd JANUARY 1832
AGED 4 YEARS
ALSO SARAH WIFE OF THE ABOVE
HUMPHREY WICKHAM
WHO DIED THE 2nd OF DECEMBER 1863
AGED 74 YEARS
ALSO OF THE ABOVE NAMED
HUMPHREY WICKHAM
WHO DIED THE [ ] MARCH 1870
AGED [77] YEARS

EDWARD WILLIAM WICKHAM - P.C.C. WILL
Edward Wickham of Chatham.
Will dated 22nd May 1832.
All of his estate to his father Edward Wickham, who is also
his executor.
Witnesses: A Robertson, Sarah Gibbs and Elizabeth
Willingham.
Proved July 1845 ( 13 years after death).

EDWARD WICKHAM - P.C.C WILL
Edward Wickham, Gentleman of Rochester.
Will dated 3rd July 1852.
All household contents in his house at his death, except
his bookcase and books, to his wife Hester; she also gets £100.
To his brother Humphrey Wickham, Gentleman of Rochester,
£100 and £20 for mourning and a ring. To Richard Winch, Wine Merchant
of Rochester, 19 guineas. To son Arthur his bookcase and books.
His three houses in Brougham Place, near the turnpike on
New Road, Chatham, occupied by
[ ] Williamson,
[ ] Akers and
[ ] Rain, to his wife Hester
forever.
Also to wife Hester an annuity of £100 for life.
This annuity from a rent charge on Bramblefield Farm in Milton, near
Sittingbourne, late occupied by Alfred Torson?, now occupied by Mr
Tannay; also on his house in Gibraltar Place, Chatham, near the
Gibraltar Inn, occupied by Mr Brock.
To his trustees his shares in the Kent Fire and Life
Insurance Company, in trust for son Arthur.
His properties and residue not already bequeathed, to
trustees Richard Winch, daughter Susanna Wickham and son in law Henry
Loyalty Peake, Assistant Master Shipwright, Devonport Dockyard, upon
trust. The residue of his personal estate to be sold and divided into
four equal parts. One part for daughter Amelia, wife of Henry Loyalty
Peake, one part for daughter Emma Wickham, one part for daughter Susanna
Wickham. The remaining quarter to be invested, in trust, for son Arthur
and interest to be used towards his maintenance and education until he
is 21.
Witnesses: Thomas Hills, Solicitor, Chatham and George
Marks?, his Clerk.
Proved 15th May 1855.

NEAR THE EAST ANGLE OF THE TOWER
A RECUMBENT STONE CROSS MARKS THE SPOT IN THE CHURCHYARD
WHERE ARE DEPOSITED THE MORTAL REMAINS OF
MARY ELIZABETH BARKER
SHE WAS THE DEAR, LOVED AND HONOURED WIFE OF
THE REVD. ALLEYNE HIGGS BARKER M.A.
RECTOR OF THIS PARISH, AND DAUGHTER OF
THE REVD. THOMAS H. GALE, VICAR OF MILTON IN THE COUNTY OF WILTS.
SHE DIED JUNE 8th 1839 AGED 26 YEARS
THE DEEP ANGUISH THIS EARLY SEPARATION HAS INFLICTED
IS SOOTHED BY THE CERTAIN HOPE THAT SHE WAS A
VESSELL UNTO HONOUR SANCTIFIED AND MEET FOR THE MASTER'S USE
PREPARED UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK
THAT THROUGH THE MERITS OF HER SAVIOUR, HER SOUL NOW ENJOYS
A FORETASTE OF AN ETERNITY OF HAPPINESS
"Blessed are the Pure in Heart for they shall see God"

80. WALL
MONUMENT WITH TWO PRAYING FIGURES

BEWLEY MONUMENT, LADY CHAPEL

HERE LIETH THE BODY OF WILLIAM BEWLEY,
GENTLEMAN, THE SECUNDE SONNE OF NICHOLAS
BEWLEY, GENTLEMAN, WHO MARRIED ANNE, THE
DAUGHTER OF BARNARDE RANDOLPH, GENTLEMAN,
WHO DEPARTED THIS WORLD THE 23rd OF
DECEMBER 1613 IN THE HOAPES OF A JOYFULL
RESURRECTION. ANNE, HIS WIFE IN THE
REMEMBRANCE OF HER DEAR HUSBAND CAUSED
THIS SMALL MONUMENT TO BE HERE SET UP

81. BLACK
LEDGER MIDDLE OF CHANCEL FLOOR

BENEATH THIS STONE
ARE DEPOSITED
THE REMAINS OF EDWARD BROWNE
WHO DIED OCT. 9th 1806 AGED 38 YEARS
ALSO THE REMAINS OF FOUR CHILDREN
OF SAMUEL AND ELIZABETH BROWNE
WHO DIED IN INFANCY
ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THIS STONE
ARE THE REMAINS OF
THE REV. SAMUEL BROWNE A.M.
ALMOST FORTY YEARS RECTOR OF THIS PARISH
HE DIED MAY 11th 1831
IN HIS 68 th YEAR
ELIZABETH WIFE OF THE REV. S. BROWNE
DIED MARCH 16th 1816
AGED 49 YEARS
ELIZABETH DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE NAMED
SAMUEL AND ELIZABETH BROWNE
DIED THE 4th OF OCTOBER 1813 AGED 17 YEARS
JAMES SON OF THE SAME DIED THE 10th OF MAY 1822
AGED 12 YEARS
HARRIET DAUGHTER OF THE SAME DIED THE 1st OF AUGUST
1838 AGED 30 YEARS

82. LEDGER
ON FLOOR OF NORTH CHAPEL

HERE LIETH THE BODY OF
PETER COURTHOP
SON OF MR. GEORGE COURTHOP
OF THIS PARISH HE DIED
MAY THE 19th 1746 AGED 21
YEARS
IN MEMORY OF MR.
WILLM. HOW OF RINGS
(HILL ) IN ST. MARGARET'S HE DEPARTED
THIS LIFE YE 23rd OF SEPT. 1761
AGED 50 YEARS
LEFT ELIZABETH HIS WIFE AND BY HER
4 SONS AND TWO DAUGHTERS
ALSO HERE LIETH ELIZ.
WIFE OF THE SAID MR. WILLIAM
HOW SHE DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JULY 28th 1762 AGED [4]9 ? YEARS
LIKEWISE THE ABOVE MR.
GEORGE COURTHOP DEPARTED
[THIS] LIFE THE 2nd OF MAY 1781
AGED 81 YEARS

GEORGE COURTHOP - P.C.C. WILL
Will dated 8th March 1781
George Courthop was a Yeoman Farmer.
To granddaughter, Elizabeth Green wife of Thomas Green of
Milton (near Gravesend), Victualler, £100. His leasehold property in
Rochester High Street, held from the Dean and Chapter of Rochester, for
term of remaining years, to his great grand daughter, Elizabeth Courthop
How, daughter of his grandson, Francis How. His property in Snodland,
occupied by Thomas Jeffery, Butcher, to Elizabeth Courthop How, Judith
How, George How and Francis How, equally shared, for ever.
All other property and land in Halling, mortgaged to him by
John Steward and others as a security for the sum of £300, and interest
due to him to great grandchildren, Elizabeth Courthop How, Judith How,
George How and Francis How, equally shared.
To grandson William How,£200, if William dies before he
gets legacy, the the £200 to his How great grandchildren at 21. Until
they are 21, the interest to go towards their education and maintenance.
All his property in Portsea or elsewhere in the county of Southampton,
to grandson, George How, for ever. Residue of real and personal estate,
after usual costs, to grandsons, George and Francis How, equally
shared, for ever. The latter two are executors.
Signs will with a mark.
Witnesses: William Twopenny, Mary Sharp and Thomas Godlyman
Codicil
Grandson, James How is now indebted to testator, in the sum
of £84; testator has a promissory note dated 21st June 1780. He is
releasing James from this debt and orders promissory note to be returned
to James.
Signs with a mark.
Witnesses: William Twopenny, Jnr., Mary Sharp and Thomas
Godlyman
Proved 23rd October 1782

CLIFTON see MONOX

83. LEDGER ON FLOOR,
SOUTH AISLE

THE HONOURABLE
FRANCIS DE GREY

84. WHITE AND BLACK
MARBLE PLAQUE ON WALL ABOVE LATTER

NEAR THIS PLACE
ARE DEPOSITED THE REMAINS OF
THE HON. FRANCIS DE GREY
YOUNGEST SON OF THOMAS, FOURTH LORD WALSINGHAM
WHO WAS ACCIDENTLY DROWNED
WHILST ENDEAVOURING TO SWIM TO A BOAT
IN THE RIVER MEDWAY
HE WAS BORN ON THE 12th OF FEBRUARY 1815
AND DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 25th OF APRIL 1836

The Times, 29th
April 1836On Tuesday last, an inquest was held by Mr Thomas Patten, Coroner
for Rochester, at the Guildhall of that city, on the body of the Hon.
Francis de Grey, who came by his death on the preceding day under the
following circumstances.
Alleyne Higgs Barker, of the parish of Wouldham, being
sworn said, I am Rector of the parish of Wouldham. On Monday morning
last, about a quarter past 9, I was in my garden fronting the river, the
deceased was standing down on the hard leading to my boat. We had just
before pushed the boat off which had been aground, and I had returned
into the garden. I was preparing to come into breakfast. We were going
to use the boat in the afternoon, and as the tide was going down, we
pushed her off to keep her afloat. I saw the deceased in the act of
pushing the boat off again with considerable violence, which drove the
boat in a straight direction into the river some yards. Then observed
that the anchor did not hold the boat, the force of the tide being too
great.
I then said to the deceased, "she is adrift now, but
never mind". He said, "I must swim after her". I begged
him not, and said, "pray don't go, besides you have your watch in
your pocket". He said, "No. I have not". And immediately
jumped into the river and struck out. I observed the deceased to labour
very much and appeared frightened. He shot astern of the boat, and the
tide carried him faster than the boat. He struck out about five or six
strokes rapidly, evidently like a person much alarmed. He tried to stem
the tide and reach the boat; he then turned around and said, (but I will
not be positive as to the exact words), I think they were, "I
drowning", or "I shall be drowned". I endeavoured to
encourage the deceased to keep up. I immediately ran round from the
front of the river to the back of the house, where I knew were some
kegs. I took one of them in my hand, and ran to a part of the river to
which I supposed the deceased would have drifted. On arriving there I
saw him struggling. I called out to him to come on shore, fearing he
might be attempting to get into the boat; he then in struggling turned
upon his back, and his cap came off; he was then about 15 yards from the
shore. I took off my coat and waistcoat, and with the keg, to which a
sling was attached, in my hand, plunged into the river, having one hand
through the sling; in the exertion of swimming, the sling broke, I
turned to recover the keg, on reaching it I found in consequence of the
sling having broken, it was of no service, there being nothing to hold
it by. I then let go the keg, and swam out without it to within a yard
or two, where I saw the deceased. I was then exhausted, and found myself
sinking, I turned round, and with difficulty reached the shore.
During the time I was in the water, the deceased
disappeared from the surface. I once saw a motion in the water, which I
conclude proceeded from a struggle of the deceased. I then ran and
procured a boat-hook, took it and got into a boat at a short distance,
and repaired to the spot to endeavour to recover the body. I continued
my endeavours for about three quarters of an hour without success. I
then proceeded to Rochester to obtain the drags; also for a medical man
to be in attendance.
By the Coroner---- The deceased was my pupil, about 21
years of age, I had never seen the deceased in the river before; but he
had told me more than once that he could swim across it at any place;
and from a conversation I had with him I inferred he was a good swimmer.
By a juror---- He was completely dressed when he went into
the water.
Richard Bannar, of Rochester bargeman, being sworn, said
yesterday, between 10 and 11 o'clock in the morning I was aboard my
barge in the river Medway, near Bewley's Cliff, when an application was
made to my master for creepers, and at his request I went in my boat
down the river to near Wouldham, where I understood a body had sunk. I
enquired of some persons where the body had been last seen, and on the
spot being pointed out, I put my boat-hook over, then after proceeding
about 20 yards, I felt the body. I hauled up my boat-hook, and found it
had caught the deceased by the collar of the coat; he appeared quite
dead and motionless. We got him into the boat, and procured a hurdle
gate, placed him on it, and conveyed him to Mr Barker's house. I
assisted in carrying him upstairs, he was undressed, and placed on a
folding board on the bed.
The Coroner then recapitulated the evidence, and the Jury
immediately returned a verdict of "Accidentally drowned".
The deceased, who was a son of Lord Walsingham, was a tall,
handsome young man, and had only taken up his abode at Wouldham a
fortnight or three weeks previous to the above melancholy occurrence.

85. SMALL
LEDGER, FLOOR OF CHANCEL

HIC S[IRUS?] EST
HERE LIES
THE BODY OF THE REV.
MR. ANTH. DENNIS
WHO WAS FOR THE SPACE
OF 47 YEARS RECTOR OF
THIS PARISH HE DIED
JUNE 19th ANNO DOMINI
1775
ETATIS SUAE
83
ALSO THE BODY OF MARY
HIS WIFE SHE DIED
MAY 6th ? ANNO DOMINI
1764
ETATIS SUAE
63

REV. ANTHONY DENNIS - P.C.C. WILL
Of Leybourne; will dated 18th December 1771.
Residue of his estate, after costs of funeral, etc., to
Rev. James Thurston, Vicar of Ryarsh and Rev. Richard Husband of Town
Malling (his good friends), upon trust.
They are to sell household goods, etc. and called in money
owed, and invest in government stock. From time to time they are to pay
interest to his daughter, Jane Rowley for her lifetime.
After her death, upon trust, for benefit of his grandson,
James Chapman, for ever. Until he is 21, the interest to go towards his
education and maintenance; if he dies pre 21 years, then to testator's
next of kin.
Appoints Rev. Dale Lovett of Town Malling, executor.
Witnesses: E. Harris and E. Lovett
Proved 19th August 1775
Notes in margins, dated 30th July 1812. Will was not
administered by executor, who died intestate, so administration granted
to John Prall of Rochester, (Solicitor), on behalf of Launcelot
Glanville O' Brien, concerning his interest in farm house and land at
Chisley at Newington, near Sittingbourne and in Hartlip, which was held
on a 1,000 year lease by deceased dating from 18th February 1743.

86. LEDGER,
ORIENTATED NORTH – SOUTH, NEAR TOWER DOOR

HERE LIES THE BODY OF
MR. GEORGE GUY
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
NOVEMBER 7th 1810
IN THE 65th YEAR OF HIS AGE

87. LEDGER,
MIDDLE NAVE AISLE

BENEATH THIS STONE
ARE DEPOSITED
THE MORTAL REMAINS OF
MAJOR JOHN BLACKBURN HART
LATE OF HIS MAJESTIE'S 95th OR RIFLE REGIMENT
WHO AFTER
A SERIES OF YEARS
HONOURABLY DEVOTED TO THE SERVICE OF HIS COUNTRY
WHOSE CAUSE HE SUPPORTED
AT FERROL,AT MONTE VIDEO,AT LUCO, AT CORUNNA,
VITTORIA,
CUIDAD RODRIGO, BADAJOZ, ST. SEBASTIEN
AND THE PYRENEES
DEPARTED THIS LIFE FOR A BETTER
JULY 30th 1824
AGED 51 YEARS
"MUTI ILLE BONIS FLEBILIS OCCIDIT"

MAJOR JOHN BLACKBURN HART (INTERIOR) - P.C.C. WILL
Of Ashford, Army Major on half pay. Will dated 26th March 1825 (sic)
To "old and valued friend", Richard Harris Barham,
Minor Canon of St. Paul's Cathedral, £100, free of duty. All the rest
of his estate to his nephew, William Sankey of Wouldham, who is also
sole executor.
Witnesses: B. Thorpe and J. Thorpe
Affidavit dated 30th October 1824
Benjamin Thorpe of Ashford, Gentleman is sworn. He confirms
date of will was by mistake, dated 1825 instead of 1824.
Proved 3rd November 1824
(William Sankey, Lime Merchant of Mansion House, Wouldham, 1855
Post Office Directory)

88. LEDGER,
VERY WORN, NORTH CHAPEL

TO THE MEMORY OF
W[ILL] [H]OW SECOND SON
OF MR. [WILL &] ELIZABETH
HOW DIED MARCH 13th ?
1750 IN THE [ ]9th YEAR OF HIS AGE

WILLIAM HOW (INTERIOR) - CONS. ROCH. WILL
A Yeoman, William How of Rings Hill, St. Margaret's, Rochester, will dated 15th September 1761
He has made a "handsome provision" for wife
Elizabeth by a marriage settlement, he can not make any more provision
for her "without doing an injustice to my dear children", but
as a token of his love and affection, gives her an additional £20.
His real estate to his sons, George, Francis, James and
William, equally shared, at 21, for ever.
After debts and funeral costs are paid, residue of money,
investments, goods, chattels and personal estate, to all his children,
as above and daughters, Elizabeth and Martha How, equally at 21 or day
of marriage, if sooner. His wife and father in law, George Courthop to
be Guardians of his children, whilst minors or married. Wife, father in
law George Courthop and son George are executors.
Signs with a mark.
Witnesses: Elizabeth Palmer, William Spong and William
Twopenny
Proved November 1775 (14 years after death). Granted to son
George, power reserved to George Courthop, How's widow had died in 1762.
In 1765 this will seems to have been disputed in Chancery.
There are no details on the will. The parties were, Joseph Nash and
others (complainants) and Thomas and Martha Fulman, William and
Elizabeth Bayley, (How's daughters ?), Cornelius and Ann Kemp, How's
sons, represented by George Courthop, (defendants ?)

FRANCIS HOW - CONS. ROCH. WILL
Francis How was a Yeoman Farmer. He appoints his wife, Judith, his
brothers, George How and William How, executors and guardians of his
children, Elizabeth Courthop How, Judith How, George How, Francis and
William How. Executors to have care and custody and to educate and
maintain until sons are 21 and daughters until they are 21 or married,
if earlier.
His two brothers are trustees. All his houses, lands and
other real estate to his children, for ever, equally shared. His goods,
chattels, crops, cattle, farming tackle, money and investments, debts,
leases and personal estate, upon trust, to his brothers. They are to
carry on farming and grazing business for the lifetime of his wife, or
as long as she continues his widow, for her and their children's
benefit. His wife and children are to assist on carrying on the
business.
After the death or remarriage of his wife, the trustees to
carry on business until all children are 21. Then the trustees are to
sell business and personal estate and collect debts owed to business,
and transfer residue to his children, equally shared.
If any of his children think it sensible to part with or
put off the business, it will be lawful for his trustees to sell it and
trust effects and convert it into money.
This money to be shared equally amongst his wife (if she is
still his widow) and children, after taking out the £50, which he has
given to son William, over and above his share of the estate, he being
the youngest child .
If his wife remarries during the time that trust is in
operation, then she no longer has any rights to any benefit. Her share
will be shared equally amongst his children.
If trustees think sons are capable of running business,
then they can hand business over to sons, after a valuation is first
made, the sons are to pay value of business to trustees.
His grandfather, George Courthop, Yeoman, late of Wouldham,
by his will dated 8th March 1781, gave his house in Snodland, occupied
by Thomas Jefferys, Butcher, to his great grandchildren, i.e., Francis
How's children, equally shared.
This property is now in a ruinous state and the rent is not
sufficient for repairs. By the time all his children are 21, the
property will be wholly decayed and of no value. So he decided to sell
it and has entered into a contract with John Manley of Snodland, Yeoman,
to sell it for £40, which he has received. He has also entered into a
penal bond for £100, to pay the £40 to his children at 21; the £40 to
be part of his personal estate.
If any of his children refuse or neglect, (conditions in
his will ?) within 30 days, (of his death ?) their legacy is void and
their legacy goes to his other children, equally shared.
Witnesses: Mary Sharp, E.S. Twopenny and Richard Whitehead
Proved 26th September 1783. Value under £1,000

SUMMARY OF INVENTORY OF FRANCIS HOW,
YEOMAN, DATED 29th AUGUST 1783The house contents were appraised by John Reed; the farm by John
Batten and George Bowditch.
The house had at least 7 rooms and was well equipped;
including a four poster bed, fixed bath stove, mahogany and cherry wood
furniture, plenty of glasswares and crockery, 2 large paintings, coffee
mill, cider press and many pewter plates and dishes.
Value of house contents £81 6s 3d
The farm contained at least 135 acres. There were 190
sheep, 10 horses, 8 cattle, and 15 pigs.
It was well stocked with folding gates, 84 in total. In the
ground were 10 acres of peas, 26 acres of barley, 8 acres of oats, 31
acres of wheat and 11 acres of hops. 10 acres were seed, crop not
specified.
Value of farm stock, crops and utensils, £916 9s 5d
The inventory was countersigned by Judith How (widow), and
George and William How, (brothers).

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
MR. JOHN PROBY, GENT.
OF THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
AUG. THE 29th 1758 AGED 64 YEARS
LEFT ISSUE TWO SONS & THREE DAUGHTERS
ALSO NEAR THIS PLACE LYETH
TWO OF HIS CHIDREN, HENRY & SARAH
AND ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF
MRS. ELIZABETH PROBY
THE WIDOW AND RELICT
OF THE ABOVE NAMED JOHN PROBY
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 13th DAY
OF AUGUST 1771 AGED 78 YEARS

ELIZABETH PROBY (INTERIOR) - P.C.C. WILL
Of Rochester, widow of John, will dated 28th May 1768.
She desires to be "buried in my vault in the parish
church of Wouldham.... as near my late dear husband, John Proby, as may
be". Her friends, John Withers, now or late of Bow Churchyard,
Cheapside, Merchant, John Delap of Gravesend, Upholsterer and Edward
Watts of Gravesend, Gentleman appointed executors. To each of them £20
for mourning.
Th? her sister, Jane Comber, widow, £20 for mourning. In
case her niece, Ann, wife of Christopher Fullagar of Cliffe, Yeoman,
shall become a widow, then in such a case, she will have an annuity of
£30, out of testator's personal estate and effects.
If Ann remarries, the annuity will cease, also to Ann and
her husband, £20 for mourning.
To sister in law [blank] Cox, widow, her late husband's
sister, an annuity of £10 for life, sourced as above. Also to sister in
law, Cox, £5 for mourning.
To her servant, Constancy Costen, an annuity of £30 for
life, sourced as above; Constancy also gets, £5 for mourning, as will
any servants in her service at her death. James Comber can have any
clothes she likes, the remainder go to Constancy Costen.
To her son and daughter in law, Thomas and Elizabeth
Garner, (Elizabeth is her late husband's daughter), £20 each for
mourning and her husband's pictures.
To Mr William Mackreth, who is also married to one of her
husband's daughters, Jane, £20 for mourning. To her son, Thomas Cosway
and his wife, Catherine, also a daughter of her late husband, £20 each
for mourning. To Constancy Costen, all the furniture in "my lodging
room", furniture and liquor in the cellar and kitchen furniture,
(except 8 large pewter dishes, 12 best pewter plates, all blue and white
china and all teaspoons.
Constancy also gets, 6 pairs of sheets, 6 pairs of pillow
cases, 6 table cloths, 6 towels, 12 napkins, 2 washing keelers, 2pails
and 2 small porringers.
Rest of linen to Ann Fullagar. Best diamond ring to her
friend, Mary wife of John Delap. To godson, Francis Mackreth, son of
William and late wife, Jane, £500 at 21 years, in meantime interest
from this sum to be used towards his education and maintenance. If
Francis dies before he is 21, the £500 shared equally among his
siblings, at 21.
To John Withers, £300, in addition to the £20 already
given; to John Delap, £300, as before; to Edward Watts, £100.
To Robert Newman, her workman or servant at her Parsonage
of Gillingham, if he is with her at her death, £100, Newman and his
wife will also get £5 each for mourning.
Her Manor of Upberry and Gillingham Parsonage, with
remaining lease, to Christopher Fullagar, until his children are all 21.
If Fullagar does not want to live in Gillingham and manage the
properties, he is to retain Newman and pay his wages. If he does decide
to live in Gillingham, he must give Newman a year's notice and a year's
pay.
Residue to executors, which they are to sell (except
securities). Proceeds to be placed in Public Funds at interest, upon
trust. They are to pay annuities and for the education, maintence and
"placing in the world", all the children of Ann Fullager until
they are 21; also to pay bequest to Francis Mackreth or his siblings.
The will contains a lot of detailed trust conditions.
Witnesses: William Reed Thomas Allman and Elias Pullen
Codicil dated 29th March 1770
To William, Elizabeth and Robert, the three children of
William Mackreth and his late wife Jane, £100 each at 21. In meantime
the £300 to be invested and the interest towards their education and
maintenance. To Elizabeth, Thomas and Mary, children of Thomas Cosway
and Catherine,£100 each at 21, in meantime as above.
Witnesses: John Parsons and Edward Fry
Proved 25th September 1771

RANDOLPHE see BEWLEY

92. LEDGER, NORTH SIDE
OF SANCTUARY

SOME OF INSCRIPTION MISSING,
RECONSTRUCTED FROM REGISTRUM ROFFENSES, 1769

THOMAS STAPLEY - ARCH. ROCH. WILL
Thomas Stapley was Rector of Wouldham.
To his brother, John Stapley, his seal ring and farm in
Maidstone, called Hales? Court, occupied by Daniel Combes, on condition
that John pays £50 to his executrix with 3 months after his death, or 2
months after will is proved. If he fails to make this payment, the farm
goes to his executrix, for ever. To Thomas Snatt, son of Thomas Snatt of
Hunton, (his godson), his silver tankard, marked T. S. on the
bottom.
His wife, Mary Stapley is his sole executor, all goods and
chattels go to her, after legacies and funeral costs.
Witnesses: John Walwyn, Thomas Snatt , Robert Kenward and
Mary Kenward
Proved 13th December 1689

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